World Tennis League: Swiatek and Garcia give Hawks glimmer of hope v Kites

Ahead of the last two singles matches of the group stage, there is still a chance for bottom-of-the-table Hawks to qualify

Iga Swiatek (Zuma/Panoramic)

Carrie Dunn

December 23, 2023

World No 1 Iga Swiatek and doubles partner Caroline Garcia combined to give the Hawks a chance of qualifying for tomorrow’s World Tennis League final as they beat good pals Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa of the Kites 6-3.

They wrapped up the victory with a Swiatek serve followed by a Garcia winner at the net.

Despite the defeat, Sabalenka and Badosa clearly enjoyed their time on court together. After one break of serve they even tried a Bryan Brothers-esque chest bump, to rather painful effect.

And even though he could not play, Stefanos Tsitsipas was there courtside and celebrating wildly as he supported his girlfriend.

Dimitrov: On to the next one

Hawks’ Hubert Hurkacz hit another body shot during the opening doubles match – after accidentally hitting Mirra Andreeva earlier in the week in the mixed doubles, he struck a ducking Lloyd Harris on the wrist. Fortunately it was met in good spirit with plenty of smiles around the court.

Hurkacz and Ruud put on an impressively athletic display, both racing across the court and demonstrating deft touch with their backhands, and saving two match points on their own serve.

But they couldn’t hold off the Kites for too long, with Dimitrov and Harris edging through 6-4.

“We are good, we are happy we’ve got six points, six games – here we are, on to the next one!” said Dimitrov afterwards, admitting he was not clear on the calculations.

“I’m just trying to keep up [with Dimitrov], to be honest! He’s got a lot more experience than me, he’s showing me the ropes,” added Harris.